Mellany is a first time author, entrepreneur and life enthusiast whose personal mantra is YOU MATTER. You owe it to yourself to fix whatever it is that does not make you whole.
Mellany Paynter’s intimate journey of discovering there is no normal timetable to overcome grieving the loss of her Mom, was the key that allowed her healing process to naturally unfold and her inspiration to write Dancing at The Crossroad.
Through Dancing at The Crossroad, Mellany has created a keepsake for the “bookends of life” and ignited a personal passion to inspire others' healing journey — facing reality and realizing what really matters. Dancing at The Crossroad is her first guided journal book in the series.
Mellany Paynter is currently the CEO of Her Billions, a consulting company that facilitates visual strategies that inspires other women entrepreneurs to boost productivity and efficiency. She holds a Bachelors in Civil Engineering from Howard University and her interests include fusing visual mapping and analytical skills to help others grow professionally and personally. Her main focus is improving quality of life and encouraging women to find balance in every area of life. When she is not facilitating workshops or attending meetings, she is serving as an Advisory Board Member for other small businesses or enjoying life biking. Mellany is a native of Trinidad, currently residing in New York City.
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$20 The Paperback
36 readers
As a supporter, you'll receive the paperback copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad," plus ONLY the first 250 people to preorder this reward get an exclusive invite to the book launch and reading. I will be there reading excerpts and signing copies.
1 copy + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$25 Special Edition Signed Copy
33 readers
Receive your very own special edition signed copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad." This reward is for individual book collectors and anyone interested in having the book as a keepsake. I will personalize your copy before sending to you.
1 copy + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$40 The Gift For A Friend
13 readers
Receive the paperback copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad," plus a copy for a friend. Do you know someone who has experienced a loss recently? This makes a perfect gift.
2 copies + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$125 Life Mapping + Personal Coaching Session
0 readers
Receive the special edition signed copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad," plus a 30-minute chat session with me and a personalized mindmap to help you strategize and develop an idea for a project you want to launch.
You'll also receive:
+ Next steps for your project
+ Training on how to create your own maps for planning
+ Opportunity to join my 2016 Mastermind group
You'll receive a bonus of 5 personally autographed copies of the book to share with others.
5 copies + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$300 One Private Workshop Session + 15 Paperbacks
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Receive your very own paperback copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad," plus a 90-minute one-on-one chat session hosted by me and a Licensed Counselor. The workshop topic can be tailored to suit the needs of your audience.
You'll also receive:
+ Intimate discussion
+ Special mention on social media
+ Special mention in book as an Early Supporter
+ Recommended techniques for coping with your particular situation
This workshop can be virtual/live in US.
15 copies + ebook included
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$500 The Sponsor
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Receive 25 paperback copies of "Dancing At The Crossroad." This reward is especially for book clubs and support communities that provide assistance and resources on topics of death, dying, trauma and grief. Your chance at helping this book reach more hands.
You'll also receive:
+ Special mention on social media
+ Special mention in book as an Early Supporter
+ Personalized thank you note from me
25 copies + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$1200 YOU MATTER Journaling/Meditation Retreat
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Receive a paperback copy of ""Dancing At The Crossroad." Caters to individuals/groups who need a change of scenery and a renewal of purpose.
You'll also receive:
+ 10 personally autographed copies of the book
+ 2 nights accommodation
+ 3 days of intimate workshops designed to help you clear clutter in your life and redefine your purpose through journaling and meditation
+ All meals provided
+ Adventure and spa breaks designed to invite more relaxation techniques to your routine
+ Life changing experience that helps you connect with others, expand your creativity and invite healing
+ Special mention as an Early Supporter
+ exclusive invite to 2017 Mastermind group
10 copies + ebook included
$5 shipping
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$2500 The Corporate Sponsor + Listed Sponsor + Keynote At Your Event
1 reader
Receive 125 paperback copies of "Dancing At The Crossroad." Caters to large organizations providing access to information, education and grief forums to anyone experiencing loss. Also, for those who would like to sell the book to raise money for their missions.
You'll also receive:
+ Special keynote from me on related topic (e.g. healing, grief, personal growth) at your event/organization
+ Special mention in the book as an Early Supporter
+ Special mention on social media
125 copies + ebook included
$5 shipping
A Guided Journal
Dancing At The Crossroad is an intimate narrative portrait of how I used the power of journaling to cope with the harsh reality of overcoming loss. A part memoir and journal, I recount my personal roller-coaster journey dealing with the unexpected passing of my mother.
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| 12,000 words | |
| 100% complete | |
| 11 publishers interested |
Dancing at The Crossroad, which started as a therapeutic exercise for me to cope with the emotional roller-coaster of grieving the loss of my mother, in time provided renewal and permitted me to move on. After 3 1/2 years of compiled jottings I am able to share my journey, with the sole purpose of helping others realize they are not alone and there is no “normal” timetable for grieving.
What I have in this book isn't another set of 'solutions' for grief, but a very emotional account of my experience through the course of dealing with my loss that forced me into healing and escape making decisions that could have jeopardized my future. At the end of the day my hope is that you draw inspiration from my story within and know that you have the power within you to overcome your crisis if you are willing to do the time.
This book compassionately addresses the personal journey from real despair to healing surrounding a loss crisis. Loss is never easy, but it is how we emerge from its grasp that shows strength and resilience.
In 2010 my mother died unexpectedly after a brief outpatient surgery at home, alone in Trinidad. The circumstances surrounding my mom’s death, and the fact that she died alone, crushed me emotionally. As an only child, I was faced with the reality of being left “alone” without my mother, to deal with the burden of loss and guilt. Physically, I was able to carry out everyday routines, but mentally I was lost; my passion disappeared and I lost her sense of purpose, even contemplating taking my own life. That’s when I started journaling, which saved my life!
The book is broken into eight chapters, presenting my true-life experience and journey from losing to regaining faith.
The first seven chapters document my own crisis of faith through the seven stages of grief. Yes, I experienced them all! It just isn’t a story though, it is also a challenge. You also have a chance to journal through your own crisis. The questions posed after each chapter are some of the same questions posed to me at each juncture of my journey, and are a pathway to genuinely embrace the healing process and focus on getting back to the joy of life.
Chapter eight shows how writing/journaling through the pain can lead to moments of clarity that will eventually lead to fulfillment. It ends by telling about my move to New York, and creating a new medium that allows others to also tell their story through a video series called
My Crossroad Journey (https://youtu.be/Z_9MjLka0uo).
*For each book pre-ordered in this campaign, some of the proceeds after publication will go to help those dealing with mental health issues.*
The 12,000 word manuscript has been completed. After the crowdfunding campaign, the plan is:
Editing: The book will be edited in mid 2016 by (insert name) (insert credentials here) (insert website address if applicable)
Publication: The book is expected to be printed and delivered by late 2016 depending on where you live, just in time for the changing season.
My plan is to self-publish according to the above timeline, but it is also possible to get traditional publishers interested in this campaign. Your support will definitely make a difference, and I am very grateful for your consideration. If 250 copies of this book are pre-ordered, there is a greater chance a quality publisher may be interested in distributing this book.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Final Curtain Call
This chapter recalls the journal entry specifics of the day I received the fated phone call that told of the death of my mother and the busyness that came with planning a home-going ceremony.
Grief Phase: Shock and Denial. This chapter dares the reader to relive both the painful and pleasurable feelings they experience.
Chapter 2: Facing Reality
One month later I am faced with the realization that my mother is never coming back. I relive my feelings of emptiness and guilt, my anger at God and not understanding why this had to happen.
Grief Phase: Pain and Guilt. It leads the reader to explore the pain felt and describes how this pain manifests in their life. The author engages further on the having the reader explain the feelings of guilt and the reasons why.
Chapter 3: Not Quite A Reality
In this chapter I discuss the breakdown with the relationships around me and how I view everyone. I am living out two people at the same time: one publicly and one privately.
Grief Phase: Anger and Bargaining. The reader is asked to describe the angry feelings and identify where and with whom comfort is found. They are also encouraged to write letters of apology to the recipients of this anger.
Chapter 4: Still Coping
This chapter begins my total withdrawal from religious affiliation and marks the start of many dreams of my mother. I recall my return to my childhood home where my mother resided.
Grief Phase: Reflection and Loneliness. The reader is challenged to dig deep to recall memories of happiness with their loved one, and share their thoughts on how they are taking score of the actions of the people around them.
Chapter 5: Temporary Transformation
One year later I think I am ready for change. I continue to have dreams of my mother and hope that these dreams would give me some semblance of her current state wherever she is. I am starting to come to terms with her absence.
Grief Phase: The Upward Turn. The readers get a lesson is gratefulness and is urged to record everything they are grateful for up to this point.
Chapter 6: Searching For Myself
I waver between my own guilt and finding hope for the future. I still struggle emotionally and have vivid dreams of interacting with my mother.
Grief Phase: Reconstruction and Working Through. The readers are challenged to talk about the good that has come from this loss.
Chapter 7: The Light Is Turned On
I relive reaching my breaking point and identifying the actions and situations that I am able to assess that were damaging to my healing process. I feel awakened to start making positive changes.
Grief Phase: Acceptance and Hope. The re-creation process begins and the reader is challenged to list things that will renew.
Chapter 8: What Really Matters
I have made drastic changes in my life, necessary to my healing. I feel confident that I can move forward with courage and take control of my life, empowering in a new direction.
This book comes at a time when many of my friends are losing their parents; we are at that age. Though some have had time to prepare, the impact of the loss is always the same. Like most, you know more than one person who has lost someone special or lost something that has changed the course of their life. The journey post-loss is devastating to some and begs the question - Why do some people emerge from a crisis with their sanity intact while others don’t?
Everyone has or will face crises in life. The one thing I learned is that loss in general is never easy, and everyone’s experience is different, but it is how we emerge from its grasp that shows strength and resilience. Dancing At The Crossroad would be a lifeline of sorts to anyone who could use one.
READER BENEFITS
1. You will be compelled to walk through this crisis of faith without giving up on yourself.
2. You will feel the compassion and understanding as you identify with my own journey that may be similar to yours.
3. While recognizing your own story in the pages of Dancing At The Crossroad, you will discover that while it is acceptable to feel varying emotions at different times, it isn’t healthy or acceptable to get stuck in one wave.
4. You will be able to identify the seven phases of grief and which ones you have experienced or are currently experiencing.
5. You will be compelled to turn back to life and stay on course and trust your own healing process.
I am a new author to the publishing world, but will work closely with the publisher to actively promote Dancing At The Crossroad through a vlog campaign - conversations with people who have all faced a life crisis, endured at a crossroad and come out on top. The vlog will be featured online (YouTube and Vimeo). As well, I have created a personal website (www.mellanypaynter.com), with updates and a vlog, and developing other mass media and e-promotional author promotion strategies.
Books by Martha Hickman, I J Weinstock et al., have addressed the topic of healing after loss and have shared words of inspiration to help readers. Yet few books specifically address the personal journey that millions walk every day after losing someone near and dear to them. The books on this topic offer perspectives in medicine and psychological healing but do not tell a story while offering a guided walk towards hope.
There are several titles available that address healing from grief/loss of a parent. They are:
* Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss by Hope Edelman
* Loss of A Parent by Burchett Jackson
* How To Survive Loss of A Parent by Lois F. Akner and Catherine Whitney
* Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief by Martha Hickman
* The Grief Recovery Handbook by Clint Jensen
* On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through The Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler
* The Loss That Is Forever: The Lifelong Impact of The Early Death Of A Mother Or Father by Maxine Harris
* I Wasn’t Ready To Say Goodbye by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair PhD
It takes more than steps to help readers overcome the stages of grief/loss! For every person who is spiritually drifting—or is on the verge—or knows someone who has lost someone the thing that stands out most is the solo journey that one must embark on in order to achieve healing. Dealing with grief is a personal experience that does not necessarily emulate anybody else’s; it is unique to each individual. Listening to a compassionate story and being able to identify with someone else who has experienced the brokenness and emerge unscathed, will encourage readers and empower them to re-invent their faith and hope.
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Michelkin Publishing
Michelkin Publishing was formed in Roswell in May 2016. Michelkin Publishing focuses on publishing work by first-time authors and established authors who have unique stories to share with the world. The company motto is "Read. Something. Different." Traditional publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
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Agora Publishing
Agora Publishing is a Canada-based not-for-profit organization, founded in 1997 with the aim of making book publishing accessible to all writers across Canada and internationally. Hybrid publisher All categories Worldwide |
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Austin Brothers Publishing
100 copies • Partial manuscript. Hybrid publisher Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Travel United States |
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HigherLife
500 copies • Completed manuscript. Hybrid publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future Worldwide |
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Mascot Books
Mascot Books is a full-service hybrid publisher dedicated to helping authors at all stages of their publishing journey create a high-quality printed or digital book that matches their vision. With comprehensive editorial, design, marketing, production, and distribution services, our authors have the support of an experienced publishing team while still retaining one of the highest royalty percentages in the business. Hybrid publisher All categories
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Motivational Press
250 copies • Completed manuscript. Hybrid publisher Mind & Body, YA Fiction, Business & Money, Career & Success, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Travel Worldwide |
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BookFuel
From Manuscript to Market. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
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Crescendo Publishing
100 copies • Completed manuscript • Looking for novels, memoirs, fantasy, and other fiction. Service publisher Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Mind & Body, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Society & Culture, Travel Worldwide |
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Dog Ear Publishing
A publishing services company dedicated to delivering amazing results to our authors. From manuscript development and editing to book design to effective marketing tools, Dog Ear delivers. Our dedicated team of publishing professionals have spent years in both the 'traditional' and self publishing worlds. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
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ShieldCrest Publishing
ShieldCrest are book publishers based in the UK who fill that vital gap for talented authors where mainstream publishers are unwilling to give them that chance. We strive for excellence and invest in our authors and are listed in FreeIndex as the number one independent publisher in the UK for price quality and service rated author satisfaction. We publish books of all genres including; fiction, historical, biographies and children's books. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
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Virtualbookworm Publishing
Virtualbookworm (VBW) Publishing was founded by a writer frustrated by the long wait time and occasional heartbreak often associated with the publishing industry. After researching the various "alternatives," he discovered a number of subsidy publishers that would publish any author ... for a price. Unfortunately, many reviewers (and readers) thumb their noses at books from such houses, since all it takes is cash to get published by them. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
Happy Friday You!
I hope the week has been a great one!
Listen, remember a few weeks ago I alluded to the chance of the …
Good morning good folk,
First, I want to say a heartfelt Thank You for supporting the preorder campaign for Dancing At The Crossroad. As you know …
What is it about death and loss that changes your entire being?
Sometimes in the face of adversity, it’s comforting just to know that there …
Sample Chapter: New Book by Mellany Paynter “Dancing At the Crossroad.”
It’s my pleasure to announce my new book titled “Dancing At the Crossroad …
I look forward to reading it! Congratulations once again Mel :)
Can't wait to read!! so proud of you Mel!! xoxo
Looking forward to receiving my copy!
Woot woot I pre-ordered my copy of "Dancing At The Crossroad"
Congratulations!
Congrats on your first publication Mel! Wishing you continued blessings and success. Regi
looking forward to receiving my copy and reading it!
Congratulations Mell. I just placed my Pre Order. Can't wait to let the HEALING begin. ALL the Best.
I think this is a small step into the right direction for me...
Congratulations on your book launch!
Congratulation Mellany wishing you all the best on your 1st book
Hi Mel, my order is in the mail
Congrats to you, wishing you all the best
Looking forward to reading it!
Can't wait to read it! Proud of you!
I will be Dancing at The Crossroad!'
So happy for you, keep tearing down the status quo
Finally ordered my copy yay!
This is so great, Mell! So glad I can be part of this journey with you.
Made my order. So glad to be part of this journey with you!
Looking forward to reading this Mellany.
- Kharim
You ROCK!
Love you.
Wonderful Congratulations!!
I can't wait to read your book! Wishing you the very best! Love you!😘
Congratulations Mellany!! Keep shining and God blessing to you on this journey.
So proud of you Mell. Keep up the good work!
Looking forward to reading...
CONGRATS....this is awesome, love you mell....so proud of you!
Congrats on your book! I ordered for my mom and myself.
Mel I can't wait to get my copy!!!Thank u for the sneak peek chapter!!
Looking forward to recounting your journey, and sharing this gift with another friend who is where you were and hoping that they she will be able to find peace in reading your story. Thanks for your courage Mel!
Thanks and looking forward to the signed copy! Your spirit and vibe is awesome!
Can't wait to get my copy! Thanks Mell
Nick Ramsay
on July 22, 2016, 2:30 a.m.
Can't wait for this book! Let me know when it goes live!! Best